Hold onto your toques, folks—Québec has officially entered the gastronomic big leagues. That’s right: the Michelin Guide, long known for crowning the crème de la crème of global cuisine (and for sparking more chef meltdowns than overcooked risotto), has finally turned its discerning gaze toward la belle province.
And let’s just say—Québec chefs showed up in their Sunday best.
A Starry Night in the Province
For its 2025 debut in Québec, the Michelin Guide has anointed nine restaurants with coveted stars. That’s not just a sprinkle—it’s a constellation. The shining star of the evening? Tanière³ in Québec City, which pulled in two Michelin stars. It’s the first ever double-starred restaurant in the province and a major flex for the historic city.
Over in Montréal, culinary heavyweights like Mastard, Sabayon and Jérôme Ferrer - Europa each snagged a shiny Michelin star. If you're wondering whether you need to make a dinner reservation for six months from now—yes, yes you do.
However, not all of the stars were awarded in Montréal and Quebec city. Spots like Narval in Rimouski remind eaters that great cuisine is happening all over the province.
This culinary coronation marks the third Canadian stop for the Michelin Guide, following Toronto and Vancouver. But Québec brings a certain je ne sais quoi to the mix—where French technique, Québécois spirit, and multicultural ingredients swirl together in one deliciously complex spoonful. Notably, it's also the first province-wide stop for the Michelin guide in the country!
Sustainability Gets the Green Light
Turns out the stars are green too! Three restaurants were awarded the Green Star, Michelin’s tip of the hat to sustainable gastronomy. That means local sourcing, seasonal cooking, minimal waste, and chefs who probably compost with the same intensity they reserve for perfecting their consommé.
Want to check them out for yourself? Holders of this prestigious star include Espace Old Mill in Stanbridge East, Auberge Saint-Mathieu in Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc and Alentours in Québec City.
Bib Gourmands: Big Flavour Without the Big Bill
Now, we know not everyone’s got a Michelin-starred budget—and that’s where the Bib Gourmand list comes in. These are the spots where you can eat like royalty without needing to pawn your AirPods. Think of them as the Guide’s cool, casual cousin who still knows exactly where to get the best bite in town.
Québec’s first Bib Gourmand class includes L'Express, beloved for its late-night eats and long counter service and Hanō Izakaya which specializing in Japanese small plates. From tapas eats to spicy pork ribs, this list proves you don’t need white tablecloths and tweezers to impress Michelin inspectors—you just need knockout flavour and some serious heart.
ITHQ: The Secret Sauce Behind Québec’s Culinary Talent
Now, let’s raise a glass (or a ladle) to ITHQ—the Institut de tourisme et d'hôtellerie du Québec. If Michelin stars are the glittering result, ITHQ is the engine that quietly powers much of the province’s culinary greatness. This iconic institution has been training chefs, sommeliers, and hospitality professionals for decades, instilling both technical prowess and creative spark.
Many of Québec’s newly minted Michelin stars and Bib Gourmand chefs cut their teeth at ITHQ, and its presence is a not-so-secret ingredient in the province’s culinary boom. It’s also home to its own Michelin-recommended fine-dining restaurant, where students and instructors collaborate to serve dishes that regularly wow even the most jaded diners.
So yes, behind every perfectly crisped duck breast and elegantly emulsified beurre blanc, there’s likely an ITHQ grad flexing their culinary muscles—with precision and panache.
A Culinary Identity That’s Unapologetically Québécois
Let’s be real: Québec has always punched above its weight in the culinary world. Between its legendary farmers' markets, unbeatable cheese game, and the holy trinity of butter, cream, and more butter, it was only a matter of time before the Michelin Guide showed up with stars in its eyes.
But what makes this recognition so satisfying is that Québec’s food scene didn’t have to bend to fit the mold. It didn’t try to be Paris-lite or New York chic. The restaurants being recognized are deeply rooted in place. They’re channeling Québec terroir—yes, even the snow-covered bits—and traditions while boldly experimenting with modern technique. This is taste of place with an edge. In short? The Michelin Guide has arrived, and Québec has responded with a resounding, buttery bienvenue.
You can view the province's full list of Michelin stars, green stars, Bib Gourmands and recommended restaurants here.
